DCLG identifies 1,294 statutory duties on local government – list not yet complete

The Department for Communities and Local Government has revealed that a review has identified 1,294 statutory duties that central government places on local authorities.

The DCLG said that the majority of these duties arise from primary legislation, and acknowledged that it is not yet a complete list.

As part of an informal consultation, it is asking for comments on the duties and for consultees “to challenge government on those which you feel are burdensome or no longer needed”.

In particular, the Department said it wanted to know:

• What duties are vital to keep?
• What duties should be repealed?
• What burdens have been created through particular duties, and associated regulations and guidance?
• What duties have not been included on the attached list and should also be considered in the review?

The DCLG said: “The duties on local authorities have accumulated over the years with successive pieces of legislation. While some duties remain vital, others may no longer be needed or may create unnecessary burdens or restrictions on local authorities.

“To address this, the government is carrying out a wide ranging review to establish the duties which are no longer needed and to remove them, giving local authorities freedom to operate in a way that meets local needs and priorities.”

Decentralisation Minister Greg Clark said: "Rather than sending reams of paperwork to officials in Whitehall, councils need to be more accountable to local residents. I am determined to release councils from the grip of Westminster micro-management by busing these bureaucratic barriers and burdens and letting them get on with their job."

The informal consultation will last until 25 April 2011. For more information, click here.

The DCLG’s list excludes duties arising from Parts 1 and 2 of the Building Act; it is currently undertaking a review of these.

Philip Hoult